Senior Club News

January 11, 2013

The Grape Belt Seniors have added two new activities to their regular calendar of events. On Wednesday, a group of women who enjoy knitting and crocheting met at 10:30 a.m. to work on their existing projects and to help beginners who had questions and needed some assistance. The group will continue to meet the second Wednesday of every month. Anyone interested is invited to drop by the group with their own handiwork project.

Starting on Friday, there will be an informal yoga class at 10:45 a.m. The class will continue every Friday until the end of February. Participants should bring their own yoga mats and bands. There is no charge to participate in either group.

An exercise class led by Catherine Pratt takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. The class consists of stretches, low impact aerobics, weights, laughter and friendship. The intensity of the workout can be adapted by each individual. The cost is $1 per class.

The Grape Belt Senior Board meets on the third Wednesday of each month. They are always open to suggestions from the general membership. There will be a pot-luck luncheon at noon on Monday, Jan. 28, followed by a very brief meeting to update the membership. All members are encouraged to attend the pot-luck luncheon - the dish does not need to be homemade.

There will be an AARP Driving Course offered on Feb. 6 and Feb. 8 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Be sure to sign up if interested in taking this course.

There is a Pennsylvania Rail Adventure trip for four days starting on May 14. Highlights of this trip include a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Fallingwater estate, a presentation at the Sight and Sound Millennium Theatre, a train ride on the world-famous Horseshoe Curve, a tour of Amish country and much more. For more information, call 672-5274.

The Grape Belt Seniors have been in their new home at 321 E. Main St. for seven months and are pleased with the current arrangements and with the support they have received from the Town of Pomfret. They are happy to have the participation of so many seniors from this area. According to Tal Ben Shahar, the author of "The Science of Happiness and Choose the Life You Want," "Seniors understand what's truly important in life and that the number one predictor or well-being is quality time we spend with people we care about and who care about us." That is the atmosphere that the Grape Belt Seniors strive for at the center.

New participants are always welcome.

Mayville Senior Citizens

MAYVILLE - President Joyce Ayers greeted 37 members who attended the first meeting of 2013 in the Mayville VFW. Louise Richer, Nancy Navarro, Lois Maloy and Dolly Gilbert made the coffee and set the tables. Chaplain Dianne Goodrich asked a blessing before the members enjoyed the large variety of casseroles, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Sandy Anderson called the table numbers.

After the meal, Goodrich read, "No One Believes Seniors, Everyone Thinks They are Senile," "Too Much to Drink" and "How Wonderful" and led the group in prayer.

Ayers led the salute to the flag. Secretary Izetta Ayling read the minutes and correspondences. Treasurer Edna Brown gave her report. Senior Council representative Jeff Wagner reported he would not be able to attend the next Senior Council meeting. There was no Goodwill report. Anderson and Jean Kelsey, trip co-chairs, listed the trips for the coming year and advised they would have the completed list ready to distribute at the next meeting.

The person called for the lottery was not present. Anderson and Goodrich won the door prizes donated by Jeff and Sandy Wagner.

The next meeting of the Mayville Senior Citizens will be on Jan. 17 at noon in the Mayville VFW. All area residents 55 or older are welcome. All attending are asked to bring a dish to pass and their own table service.

Pioneer Social Club

FORESTVILLE - The Pioneer Social Club meeting was called to order by President Ruth Kuehn. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Barb Tower. The opening prayer was given by Dorothy Merrill.

Twenty-one members answered roll call. The secretary's report was given by Angie Logan, and Arlene Miller motioned to accept, seconded by Betty Kuzora.

"Happy Birthday" was sung to Wilma Crowell, Kuzora, Richard Mosher, Loretta Nobles and Dorothy Schneider, all of whom are celebrating January birthdays.

Sunshine Gal Peg Heiden sent a "thinking of you" card to Jerry and Shirley Bostaph.

The lunch tickets were won by Gertie Syper and Logan, the 50/50 by Marge Hock and Enebel Mirando, and the Riles and Woolley award by Peg Brown.

A Christmas gift was given to Shannon Berkiett. Eleven gift cards were given to the Forestville Food Pantry to be used for Christmas. Kuehn won the stained glass cross.

Tower asked that things be brought in for the dollar table.

The refreshment committee for the Feb. 4 meeting includes Grace Hall and Betty and Henry Kuzora.

Silver Creek Seniors

SILVER CREEK - The Silver Creek Seniors met Tuesday. The members enjoyed pizza. President Ed Newman called the meeting to order, leading the members in The Pledge of Allegiance and singing "God Bless America." President Newman also gave a prayer in the absence of Irene Conny.

Lorrie Newman read some stories and also shared the treasurer's report.

The Hole-Parker drawing was won by Mary Congdon. The 50/50 was won by several members.

Bingo was called by Marv Smith. The food committee for Jan. 15 is the Pattons.

Sheridan Happy Seniors

SHERIDAN - The Sheridan Happy Seniors met on Friday, Jan. 4, at the St. John Bosco Hall. President Ellen Sutehall opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, "God Bless America," and the Happy Seniors song. Nineteen members were present. Arlene Miller offered a prayer. Vice President Shirley Sikorsky called roll and assigned Jean McDaniel, Enabel Mirando, Betty Logan and Miller to bring refreshments for the next meeting.

Angie Logan gave the treasurer's report, which was accepted as read. Susan Townsend read the minutes for the Dec. 6, 2012 meeting, which was the last meeting of the year. They were accepted as read. January birthdays include Vera Bell; Wilma Crowell, 91; Betty Kuzora; and Jo Wilkoz, 92.

The speaker of the day was Frank Clement of Orchard Park, who is a longtime collector of bricks. Included in his collection are two bricks from the Roman Empire, one from 500 BC Iran, one of several known to exist with Abraham Lincoln's profile embossed on it, which is valued at about $10,000, and a real keeper with Mark Twain's profile on it. This brick is the only one of its kind known to exist, and Clement did not reveal its value. Clement's collection includes many other bricks from around the world.

These are some of the interesting facts he recounted: The Hudson River is famous for its clay deposits and is therefore a great source for brick manufacturers; the great historical fires in the mid-1800s in London, Chicago, and New York City led to changes in building codes requiring non-combustible materials to be used in construction, hence, the boom in brick manufacturing; L. Frank Baum, author of "The Wizard of Oz," was sent to military school as a young man in Poughkeepsie along the Hudson River. Upon reaching Poughkeepsie on the river paddleboat, he asked the way to the school, and he was told to "follow the yellow brick road." The road was made of bricks of yellow clay.

Fred Sikorski will assist Joanne Martin in arranging the trips for the Sheridan seniors this year.

The Riles and Woolley drawing was won by Martin. The 50/50 drawing was won by Dolores Trewiler and Clement.

Members can look forward to a Valentine's Day pizza party and another pot-luck dinner, date to be determined.

Refreshments were served after the meeting.

Steger Hi-Rise Tenants Association

The Steger Hi-Rise Tenants Association meeting was held on Tuesday in the Community Room with 16 members present. In the absence of President Rosa Vega, Treasurer Linda "Susie" Lockhart called the meeting to order, and Vice President Alba Santiago led the members in The Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Josie Wierczynski gave a reading titled "Walking in Victory." As secretary, she read the minutes of the previous meeting. They were accepted as read by Hilda Medina and John Sellars. Lockhart gave the financial report; it was accepted by Anita Rinehart and Josh Hughes. Sunshine Lady Addie Windsor sent cards to Rafael Castro, Judy Presutti and Merari Tirado (for the death of mother Maria V. Castellano).

The club welcomed back Vega, guests Gail and Lenny Kosierb, Elie Santiago and Isis Gatlindo. The 50/50 raffle was won by Windsor and Wierczynski.

Super Bingo was played after the meeting. Refreshments were served, including soft drinks, chips, crackers and spread, pizza, cupcakes and coffee.

The members thanked Lockhart for all the preparations. The next meeting will be on Feb. 12.

COLLINS - The 50-Plus Senior Program got off to a great start with regular programming under way.

As usual, Monday starts off with Pat Tucker's Indoor Walking and Exercises beginning at 9 a.m. in the gymnasium of L. K. Painter Community Center, Main Street, Collins. This activity combines segments for walking, walk in place and chair exercises and participants can choose how much or little they want to do. This activity is also held on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended.

An Informal Euchre Game gets underway at 1 p.m. Mondays in the Senior Room. Both beginners and experienced players are welcome. Tuesday morning Gentle Arthritis Exercises are held at 10 a.m. in the gym. This activity is also held on Thursday mornings and is aimed at assisting people with arthritis to become more flexible.

Wednesday is the busiest day for the seniors with programs held in the Center and at Collins Library and K & L Lanes in Gowanda. In addition to the morning walking programs at the Center, Quilting with Florence starts at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room of the Library. Anyone interested in learning to quilt or joining others in spending part of the day in improving their skills can attend. For more information call Florence Reynolds, 532-3075.

If interested in learning a new craft, Open Crafts with Pat Tucker is held at 1 p.m. in the Senior Room. Anyone with a long unfinished craft at home may bring it along, or those attending may just want to spend a couple of hours with old or new friends.

Senior Bowling at K & L Lanes is held weekly. It's not necessary to be an expert to join these enthusiastic bowlers each Wednesdays at 1 p.m. at the Lanes in Gowanda. There is a cost of $1.75 per game or three games for $5.

Gentle Arthritis Exercises at 10 a.m. in the center's gymnasium is the only program offered this Thursday. A Game Afternoon has been scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. in the Senior Room. Anyone who enjoys playing games but lives alone and has no one to play with can come enjoy the afternoon as the senior center has a number of games available.

Friday, noon, is also the final day for signing up for the Tuesday Soup and Sandwich Lunch to be held at noon, Tuesday, Jan. 22, in the Senior Room. The early deadline for reservations is required as the center will be closed Monday in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. For reservations call 532-2507 before noon Friday or sign up on the sheet in the Senior Room by Friday. Cost is $2.50. Menu is Bean Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Dessert and Beverages.

A reminder: the monthly Euchre and Pinochle will resume on Sunday, Jan. 20, at 1:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. Sponsored by the 50-Plus Seniors, the $5 cost includes cash table prizes, beverages and dessert.